In convening to discuss North Korea’s horrifying human rights record, the U.N. Security Council shined a spotlight this month on systematic abuses that continue to shock the civilized world. It also pointed to the growing international attention focused on the North Korean plight. No longer concerned only with Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons and its routine provocations, the world is increasingly turning its gaze to the way in which Kim Jong Un’s regime enforces its brutal rule.

The evidence of the country’s abuses continues to mount. Verifying what exactly is happening in North Korea is notoriously difficult. But as defectors leave the North for China, South Korea and other countries, their testimony — backed by the accounts of former Pyongyang officials and satellite imagery — convey a tale of terrors.… Seguir leyendo »

The announcement this month that 450 additional U.S. trainers and support troops will deploy to Iraq represents a modest step forward in the fight against the Islamic State. But the move by itself will not turn the tide in a faltering effort. To succeed in the president’s ambition of ultimately destroying the Islamic State — or even to contain its gains or roll them back — a broader and more intensive effort is needed.

The fall of Ramadi in Iraq’s western Anbar province was just the latest wake-up call for a Middle East reeling from the Islamic State’s advances. The group has seized the Syrian city of Palmyra, launched attacks in Saudi Arabia, established a presence in Libya and the Sinai Peninsula, and won adherents in countries as varied as Afghanistan and Nigeria.… Seguir leyendo »

Throwing 10 percent of the world’s population into darkness is not a good way to advertise one’s “great power” credentials. India’s late-summer power outage, political dysfunction and slowing economic growth have engendered doubts among U.S. observers allayed only partly by the government’s recent announcement of economic reforms. For nearly a decade, India has represented Washington’s major strategic bet in Asia, a “natural ally” that was emerging as a strong, globally active and increasingly prosperous partner. Was this bet misguided?

We don’t think so. The short-run challenges to Indian power and progress in the relationship are daunting, and realism about the pace of both is in order.… Seguir leyendo »

As Muammar el-Qaddafi’s forces continued their assault on rebels in several cities in Libya, the Pentagon began repositioning Navy warships to support a possible humanitarian or military intervention. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated on Tuesday that establishing a no-flight zone on Libya was “under active consideration,” though such a move would very likely carried out only under a United Nations or NATO mandate. Meanwhile, opposition leaders debated calling on the West for airstrikes under the U.N. banner.

How far should the U.S. and the international community go in intervening in Libya? What are the risks?

High Risks for Acting Now

Kori Schake is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and an associate professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point.… Seguir leyendo »